Advertisement

Milestone for footballer's charity

A charity set up by former Doncaster Rovers footballer Billy Sharp and his girlfriend in memory of their son who died aged just two days old has raised more than £50,000 in its first year.

The Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation was formed in January last year to make a difference to families affected by gastroschisis, a condition causing babies to be born with organs outside their body, which is usually picked up by week 14 of the pregnancy.

As well as raising money to fund research into the condition, the charity is also hoping to raise awareness and is campaigning for better care of pregnant mothers carrying babies with gastroschisis.

Sharp, who also played for Sheffield United and Scunthorpe, and his partner Jade Fair have been working tirelessly since the foundation launched in 2012 following Luey's death from the condition and are delighted to have raised £53,000 within the first year.